01/06/2026
From the Executive Director's desk:
I am pleased to curate the second solo exhibition of fast-rising contemporary artist Oshorenoya David Francis at the 1853 Studios, Mill 1 Gallery, Manchester, United Kingdom. This will be my second invitation, after having curated his first solo exhibition, The Emotional State of Man in 2023.
Francis first came to my studio in Abuja shortly after the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020 with about two dozen works produced over several months. Most were executed in acrylic on paper and canvas, with a few in oil. I was immediately intrigued by the collection—perhaps because we seemed to draw from similar sources of inspiration, rooted somewhere within the modernist trajectory of Nigeria’s post-colonial experience. More importantly, he had developed a level of consistency in his visual language that hinted at early mastery. It was clear to me that he needed mentorship and, more importantly, reassurance that he was on the right path.
Following that encounter, I made several calls and secured a space for him at Photocarrefour Gallery in Jahi, owned by a colleague, curator, and photographer, Tersoo Tersoog. My strategy, as I explained to him, was to stage a strong presentation and leverage the digital space to build his public persona alongside the promotion of his work. At the time, Photocarrefour was gaining a reputation for photography-led exhibitions, while also accommodating a number of painters, making it an ideal starting point. The veteran Journalist, Okechukwu Uwaezuoke put his signature stamp with a press report about the exhibition, often a very priceless and unforgettable experience for any emerging artist, as well as for their families and enthusiasts. Grateful to him for always showing up when it matters.
We made a bold and critical argument for his practice through that exhibition, titled Emotional State of Man (August 2022), which received coverage in Nigerian dailies. Subsequently, I secured space, for his participation in a group exhibition at Soto Gallery in Lagos, via a request from the owner Tola Akerele in December 2022. The resulting sales not only boosted his confidence but also positioned him within a new professional network, strengthening his negotiating capacity in the process.
A third opportunity came when he was shortlisted for the Made in Nigeria Masterclass, facilitated by Artstier, courtesy of Sandra Alonge and under the leadership of the Nigerian–German Centre for Migration and Development, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and sponsored by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). He was selected as one of ten artists for a 21-day workshop, culminating in an exhibition at the Discovery Museum, Wuse II, Abuja, in 2024. Notably, his selection was made by an independent jury of curators, underscoring that his inclusion was based purely on merit.
To further his creative pursuits, Francis relocated to the United Kingdom to study for a Master of Fine Art (Painting) at De Montfort University, Leicester, graduating in 2025. He recently completed a residency programme with Akoje Residency & Gallery in collaboration with The King’s Foundation in April 2025, where selected artists developed painted narratives of their experiences living in Leicester. The programme was organized by Two Queens and funded by the Arts Council, England.
With recognition from two significant British institutions, it is fair to suggest that this inspired artist is on a compelling path toward global relevance.
This is a story I am proud to be a part of, and without doubt, it marks only the beginning of greater things to come. Below is a press report about the coming exhibition by Mr. Uwaezuoke on Thisday yesterday.
https://share.google/2FchqzftbBTlVnGTA
- Obi Nwaegbe 04.05.26
